EG Shoos coming to Toronto - Finally!!

[ktrp]

The Loake's at the bay were 'on sale' for 350.

I would have to check, but I think they may have been L1s.

I should open a shoe sizing store in Toronto. I won't sell anything, I'll just have a sample of each UK based manufacturer in each last in each size, and charge people $25 for a thorough fitting, then send them off to buy them online.

 

[EBugatti]

^^^Honestly, this is a fantastic idea.

 

[Master-Classter]

^^ I just had that same idea last night while reading this thread. Think of the lowered inventory holding costs, you don't care about teh color, just have one pair of shoes in each model and size. No back storage room, for example. And when you're done you could even sell the shoes as floor models and get back most of the original cost.

 

[Omega Man]

Yes, if you could educate/convince the mass by buying better shoes.

 

[fwiffo]

Originally Posted by ktrp

The Loake's at the bay were 'on sale' for 350.

I would have to check, but I think they may have been L1s.

I thought The Bay clearanced all their Loake shoes? I remember seeing them prominently and then on some kind of discount. It was around the time Dack's was rumoured to close because I noticed the same pair at the Dack's clearance for much much less.

 

[TRINI]

Originally Posted by Omega Man

Yes, if you could educate/convince the mass by buying better shoes.

They have to be willing to spend that kind of money on a non-commercial/fashion brand name first though.

 

[Geoff Gander]

Originally Posted by ktrp

The Loake's at the bay were 'on sale' for 350.

I would have to check, but I think they may have been L1s.

The models carried by the Bay (if the Ottawa location is any guide) will probably be Shoemaker-grade. Leather lined with calf leather uppers, but not up to 1880 standards. $350 is still too much for these shoes, though.

 

[Geoff Gander]

Originally Posted by Master-Classter

^^ I just had that same idea last night while reading this thread. Think of the lowered inventory holding costs, you don't care about teh color, just have one pair of shoes in each model and size. No back storage room, for example. And when you're done you could even sell the shoes as floor models and get back most of the original cost.

+1

Hell, you don't even need a store. Just buy/rent a van and you can do house- or office-calls. Gas and vehicle depreciation could be written off. Have a basic website ("Englishshoestoyou.com", or "2U", whatever) where people can look at your offerings, book a time, and you show up with the stock. Your value added is the precise fittings (as mentioned above), but also providing advice on what other styles on that last, by that maker, would suit the customer (depending on the wearer's lifestyle, etc).

 

[Marcellionheart]

Originally Posted by Geoff Gander

The models carried by the Bay (if the Ottawa location is any guide) will probably be Shoemaker-grade. Leather lined with calf leather uppers, but not up to 1880 standards. $350 is still too much for these shoes, though.

Yes, I saw those when I first moved here. I think they were $450, though, because the salesmen asked me what I paid for mine and nearly crapped himself when I told him £60 when I was a student.

 

[kasper007]

Originally Posted by Cant kill da Rooster

$890 is an exaggeration. More like $650. Still too high though.

Unfortunately, i have the receipt to prove it. This was my first real shoe purchase, cannot tell you how much i've regretted it ever since i came back home, checked online knowing that i had paid a small premium and realizing that i had actually overpaid by ~120%. This was almost 3 years ago so it may have "improved" since then

 

[Redwoood]

yeah, the Bay used carry Loake from the Shoemaker's collection.
Kew and some other models. They don't even show them, you have to ask for them specifically. They may have thrown them all out already, who knows.

Holt on Bloor is carrying Loake now. Evolution (?) range on the Bridge last
Waterloo (brogue blucher)
Telford (brogued monk)
Orwell (brogued Chelsea)

 

[Cant kill da Rooster]

Originally Posted by kasper007

Unfortunately, i have the receipt to prove it. This was my first real shoe purchase, cannot tell you how much i've regretted it ever since i came back home, checked online knowing that i had paid a small premium and realizing that i had actually overpaid by ~120%. This was almost 3 years ago so it may have "improved" since then

That sucks. IMHO Holt tends to sell many things for 20% more than others though. I wouldn't blame it on importation. It was awhile ago I looked at them and they also sell them at another store for about $600-$700. So maybe I am incorrect but I did think they were better than benchgrade.

 

[ktrp]

In case someone wants to steal the idea and create a shoe sizing service, I'll note you could use stuff below factory seconds - flawed shoes that were returned, outright rejects, whatever. Just need to swing them from the factory as cheap as possible, they can even paint them orange or whatever so you can't sell them if they want.

 

[Cant kill da Rooster]

Originally Posted by kasper007

Unfortunately, i have the receipt to prove it. This was my first real shoe purchase, cannot tell you how much i've regretted it ever since i came back home, checked online knowing that i had paid a small premium and realizing that i had actually overpaid by ~120%. This was almost 3 years ago so it may have "improved" since then

Perth and other models on sale now at Holt for $325 (in black only). I would buy it at this price if they had my width.

 

[TRINI]

Just walked by Robert Jones to check out the BB sale and the EGs have landed and are in the window.

None of the shoes are on sale at BB, btw.